Welp, another day at the office. As usual, I have a million things on my mind. It's only 10 in the morning and I've already sent emails to family members, paid some bills, made a few phone calls (all to UW because apparently they want to do everything in their power to make me ineligible for summer financial aid) and browsed all of my usual news feeds.
Currently I am looking at GRE study guides. I spent the last year studying for the LSAT, but now that I'm confident law school is not for me, I have to study for the GRE to get in to grad school for fall of 2016. I would like to study bioarchaeology, which for those who don't know is the study of human remains from archaeological sites. I'm starting to think that a research or teaching position someday would suit me well. I helped teach a class in undergrad which made me feel accomplished, but also made me want to pee my pants a little bit every time I stood in front of the class of 150. I remember spending more time preparing for that than my own full schedule of classes. I did like feeling important, and being able to answer academic questions always made me feel good.
I'm hoping that the field school in Peru this summer will inspire ideas for a masters thesis. Which terrifies me thinking about it, but it must me done. I don't know yet exactly what we will find at the site this summer, but I'm hoping we get to excavate HSR (Human Skeletal Remains). I've always been interested in studying HSR, but laws in the US don't allow archaeologists to do much with them. Most of the time if HSR is found in the field, it has to be reported and excavation has to be stopped. In Peru, these laws don't apply. I know we will be working in a cave that has been largely unexplored. Caves are considered a closed archaeology site which is one of the best conditions to work in because climate is usually mild, and disruption of the site is minimal.
Now I'm thinking about the GRE again. I remember for undergrad always stressing (to the point of making myself sick) over any papers or exams. I always ended up doing better than I thought. I'm hoping this is how it is for the GRE as well. I'm not looking forward to spending another $400.00 dollars to take another test. I spent almost a grand total in studying for the LSAT and taking it twice. I haven't bought any study materials yet, I'm already stressed about paying for all of the things I need for field school. I just bought a camera yesterday, because I refuse to travel for my first big trip without one.
I still have a million things to do. I leave June 21st which seems like a long ways away but it really isn't. I know I still have to get all the finances situated through UW, have to get travel insurance, there are a couple meeting with the project directors, vaccinations, a big cleaning list for Shane (hehe) clothing, and other things I'm sure I'm not thinking about. More to come.
Inspired by my upcoming trip to Peru. Perhaps a place to tame my ever wandering mind.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Long Day
I lay here in bed with nothing much to think about except an aching stomach, horribly aching neck and a slight headache. I was lucky enough to be stuck at home all day with a lovely ailment. The only nice thing was being able to lay out in the sun a little bit today with the dogs when I finally needed some air.
Surprisingly, nothing too interesting has happened in a few days. Those who know me know that weird things happen to me all of the time. Like almost being attacked at a dog park, having to call an ambulance for someone who fell and hit their head on the ice... and oddly enough that is all I can actually remember at the moment. I blame all the medicine. I meet with someone from International Studies later on this week to review traveling, and travel insurance that I have to get through UW. Another step closer to leaving.
I worry I won't be able to fully enjoy my trip like I want. I don't know what it is about my dog, but I really do revolve my days around them. I always make sure they are let out in the morning, that they get attention. I drive home for lunch every single day so they can have a little break outside. And I usually race home at 5 so they can get out as soon as possible. I would say I take them to the dog park at least 3 days a week, even though they have a backyard to play in that is bigger then the dog park. They don't do much running at the park, but they love the other dogs and Hunter loves the human attention. I really am sad about leaving them for 6 weeks. I know Shane loves them but he doesn't make time to go home at lunch, even on the days I have a meeting at work and would really like him to do it for once. Oh well. No point lamenting over something that won't change.
I also hate to admit that I am the kind of person who doesn't like not knowing what their significant other is up to. I'm clingy. I try not to be but that is just who I am. I'm sure he will be gone most weekends with his buddies hunting or fishing. Speaking of fishing, I currently have a 9 pound rainbow trout taking up most of my freezer. Shane caught it this weekend at Lake Hattie. I guess it is the biggest fish he has ever caught so he is having it mounted by a taxidermist or however you phrase that. Hopefully he knows it won't be going in the living room haha. We are making the mud room into the hunting/outdoor room so it will probably go in there. I'm also worried about the house situation. We are having troubles getting approved for the kind of loan we want. It's a long story, and I don't like talking about it because it is stressing me out so much. Only time will tell.
I bought a couple books to help prepare me for my trip to Peru. While I took a class on Andean Archaeology when I was in college, there is so much to know that I don't even know where to begin again. It's also hard to be prepared when we aren't exactly sure what we will be finding. I specialized in Northwestern Plains archaeology and Southwestern archaeology, both which are very different even though they are so close together territory wise. I guess I hope to finally find my inspiration again. Some days I am so excited about going back to school and other days I think I would be content at my current job for a while longer. Shane has been doing the same job for so long, I don't know how anyone does it. Most jobs I only stay at for a year at most, because they are either internships or I end up moving somewhere else. Each time I started out really liking the job, but became bored quickly. I actually really like where I work as a receptionist. I like knowing my job well and knowing what to expect. Well, most of the time anyway.
I have family members who keep asking what my plans are. The truth is, I really don't know. I wish I had parents who could pay for me to be in school as long as I want. I do really well at school when school is the only thing I am doing. But I know in reality, I have to still be making money somehow if I go back. My Aunt Amy's advice is always in my head. As a woman, I have to be able to take care of myself even if I am with someone. We aren't married, and honestly I don't feel like we need to get married any time soon. If it does happen someday, I want it to be a complete surprise. That's a whole other topic. I really do think the meds are making my mind wander even more than normal, so off to bed for me.
Surprisingly, nothing too interesting has happened in a few days. Those who know me know that weird things happen to me all of the time. Like almost being attacked at a dog park, having to call an ambulance for someone who fell and hit their head on the ice... and oddly enough that is all I can actually remember at the moment. I blame all the medicine. I meet with someone from International Studies later on this week to review traveling, and travel insurance that I have to get through UW. Another step closer to leaving.
I worry I won't be able to fully enjoy my trip like I want. I don't know what it is about my dog, but I really do revolve my days around them. I always make sure they are let out in the morning, that they get attention. I drive home for lunch every single day so they can have a little break outside. And I usually race home at 5 so they can get out as soon as possible. I would say I take them to the dog park at least 3 days a week, even though they have a backyard to play in that is bigger then the dog park. They don't do much running at the park, but they love the other dogs and Hunter loves the human attention. I really am sad about leaving them for 6 weeks. I know Shane loves them but he doesn't make time to go home at lunch, even on the days I have a meeting at work and would really like him to do it for once. Oh well. No point lamenting over something that won't change.
I also hate to admit that I am the kind of person who doesn't like not knowing what their significant other is up to. I'm clingy. I try not to be but that is just who I am. I'm sure he will be gone most weekends with his buddies hunting or fishing. Speaking of fishing, I currently have a 9 pound rainbow trout taking up most of my freezer. Shane caught it this weekend at Lake Hattie. I guess it is the biggest fish he has ever caught so he is having it mounted by a taxidermist or however you phrase that. Hopefully he knows it won't be going in the living room haha. We are making the mud room into the hunting/outdoor room so it will probably go in there. I'm also worried about the house situation. We are having troubles getting approved for the kind of loan we want. It's a long story, and I don't like talking about it because it is stressing me out so much. Only time will tell.
I bought a couple books to help prepare me for my trip to Peru. While I took a class on Andean Archaeology when I was in college, there is so much to know that I don't even know where to begin again. It's also hard to be prepared when we aren't exactly sure what we will be finding. I specialized in Northwestern Plains archaeology and Southwestern archaeology, both which are very different even though they are so close together territory wise. I guess I hope to finally find my inspiration again. Some days I am so excited about going back to school and other days I think I would be content at my current job for a while longer. Shane has been doing the same job for so long, I don't know how anyone does it. Most jobs I only stay at for a year at most, because they are either internships or I end up moving somewhere else. Each time I started out really liking the job, but became bored quickly. I actually really like where I work as a receptionist. I like knowing my job well and knowing what to expect. Well, most of the time anyway.
I have family members who keep asking what my plans are. The truth is, I really don't know. I wish I had parents who could pay for me to be in school as long as I want. I do really well at school when school is the only thing I am doing. But I know in reality, I have to still be making money somehow if I go back. My Aunt Amy's advice is always in my head. As a woman, I have to be able to take care of myself even if I am with someone. We aren't married, and honestly I don't feel like we need to get married any time soon. If it does happen someday, I want it to be a complete surprise. That's a whole other topic. I really do think the meds are making my mind wander even more than normal, so off to bed for me.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Worst day
I must say, today could not have gone any worse. Shane and I had a good night last night, played some card games like an old couple and went to bed early. We got up late this morning (on accident) and got ready to go fishing. Not ice fishing this time thank god. Of course he was mad because I needed a whopping 20 minutes to get ready, and yes, this did include putting on make up. I feel weird without it, I can't help it. We were finally on the road when of course he realized he needed to stop at the fly shop to get more fishing supplies.
After the fly shop, we were finally on our way out to Lake Hattie. By the time we got there, maybe around 9:30, every place seemed to be occupied by other fisherman. Shane and I just couldn't say a word to each other without fighting so we were existing in awkward silence. We finally found a spot, but I was too mad to fish so I just sat in my camping chair and watched him fish. The only good part about the lake was watching the pups run around. Hunter my Dalmatian isn't much of a fan of the water except for biting the waves. Super cute.
We weren't there for even an hour and Shane was ready to go somewhere else. We drove towards Woods Landing and stopped at the little shop they have there to use the bathroom. I vaguely remember getting out and asking Shane to open up some windows for the dogs, but his response was that we were only going to be in there for a couple minutes. We went inside, bought some drinks and went back out to the truck. The next awesome part of the day happened. Shane decided it would be a good idea to leave the keys in the ignition, and we were locked out. Of course he blames it on the dogs stepping on the locks, but I think this was a combined dumb ass moment. So of course, I was sitting on the curb crying my eyes out thinking that my dogs were going to die of heat stroke in the truck. Luckily, the bartender in the restaurant turned out to be an ex cop and had a jimmy to get into the car.
After about a half hour ordeal, we were finally back in the car. With both of us still in a fantastic mood, we tried driving to Lake Owen for more fishing. All of the roads were still closed, so we turned back around and went back to Laramie. The awesomeness continued. We got home and both started feeling sick. I got an awesome migrane, and Shane was sick with some stomach thing. About 7pm this morning I got some energy and wanted a Starbucks drink. Yep, I'm gross, I know. Shane wanted a drink from sonic which I agreed to get.
Let me tell you that Sonic is the WORST place in Laramie to go to if you want even a tiny bit of decent service. I sat in the drive thru for almost 15 minutes waiting for someone to talk on the speaker. Nothing. People started honking for me to move forward, so I did. I drove up to the pay window hoping to order there. The window was half open, and there was a male standing there just staring at the computer. I started saying "sir?" several times, and nothing. I, along with 4 other people in line drove off raging. I wish I had something to throw into the window I was so mad.
I finally made it to Starbucks, which was quick and awesome. I decided I wanted two refreshing drinks so ordered an orange Valencia and a passion tea lemonade sweetened. Go figure, I got home and the Valencia was good but the other not so much. My friends at work think I'm a crazy person when it comes to ordering drinks, so if they read this I'm sure I'll get crap for it. We ended up ordering Chinese food. Poor choice I would think for someone with an upset tummy, but tis the brain of a man. : )
Well, its 7:45 pm and I like to think that nothing else can happen, but who knows! I did find out that I meet with someone from UW later this week to get my travel insurance figured out. And I currently have my sweet puppy laying with me in bed, and a good orange Valencia drink. Maybe it's all a sign I should just fall asleep now and start the day over. Shane wants to get up at 6 to go fishing again. I try to act enthusiastic but it's so damn hard! I think I like the idea of all this hunting and fishing stuff more than when I actually go out there. But, I'm working on it.
After the fly shop, we were finally on our way out to Lake Hattie. By the time we got there, maybe around 9:30, every place seemed to be occupied by other fisherman. Shane and I just couldn't say a word to each other without fighting so we were existing in awkward silence. We finally found a spot, but I was too mad to fish so I just sat in my camping chair and watched him fish. The only good part about the lake was watching the pups run around. Hunter my Dalmatian isn't much of a fan of the water except for biting the waves. Super cute.
We weren't there for even an hour and Shane was ready to go somewhere else. We drove towards Woods Landing and stopped at the little shop they have there to use the bathroom. I vaguely remember getting out and asking Shane to open up some windows for the dogs, but his response was that we were only going to be in there for a couple minutes. We went inside, bought some drinks and went back out to the truck. The next awesome part of the day happened. Shane decided it would be a good idea to leave the keys in the ignition, and we were locked out. Of course he blames it on the dogs stepping on the locks, but I think this was a combined dumb ass moment. So of course, I was sitting on the curb crying my eyes out thinking that my dogs were going to die of heat stroke in the truck. Luckily, the bartender in the restaurant turned out to be an ex cop and had a jimmy to get into the car.
After about a half hour ordeal, we were finally back in the car. With both of us still in a fantastic mood, we tried driving to Lake Owen for more fishing. All of the roads were still closed, so we turned back around and went back to Laramie. The awesomeness continued. We got home and both started feeling sick. I got an awesome migrane, and Shane was sick with some stomach thing. About 7pm this morning I got some energy and wanted a Starbucks drink. Yep, I'm gross, I know. Shane wanted a drink from sonic which I agreed to get.
Let me tell you that Sonic is the WORST place in Laramie to go to if you want even a tiny bit of decent service. I sat in the drive thru for almost 15 minutes waiting for someone to talk on the speaker. Nothing. People started honking for me to move forward, so I did. I drove up to the pay window hoping to order there. The window was half open, and there was a male standing there just staring at the computer. I started saying "sir?" several times, and nothing. I, along with 4 other people in line drove off raging. I wish I had something to throw into the window I was so mad.
I finally made it to Starbucks, which was quick and awesome. I decided I wanted two refreshing drinks so ordered an orange Valencia and a passion tea lemonade sweetened. Go figure, I got home and the Valencia was good but the other not so much. My friends at work think I'm a crazy person when it comes to ordering drinks, so if they read this I'm sure I'll get crap for it. We ended up ordering Chinese food. Poor choice I would think for someone with an upset tummy, but tis the brain of a man. : )
Well, its 7:45 pm and I like to think that nothing else can happen, but who knows! I did find out that I meet with someone from UW later this week to get my travel insurance figured out. And I currently have my sweet puppy laying with me in bed, and a good orange Valencia drink. Maybe it's all a sign I should just fall asleep now and start the day over. Shane wants to get up at 6 to go fishing again. I try to act enthusiastic but it's so damn hard! I think I like the idea of all this hunting and fishing stuff more than when I actually go out there. But, I'm working on it.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Peru
About a month ago, I was looking at the UW site for information about graduate school. I've decided to go back to school for the fall of 2016 semester. Assuming all goes well including the GRE I plan on getting a MA in Bioarchaeology. I must have been lucky that day to run into information about the Peru archaeological field school. I thought the deadline had passed, but I emailed the project directors anyway. Turns out, I had plenty of time to apply. Within a week, I got the acceptance email from my old Anthropology professor Dr. Murphy. The week got even better because I managed to get my friend Claire to come along as well! So, the past few weeks have been spent planning for the trip, and we bought our first class tickets this evening. It's a really long flight, so first class was pretty convincing. We plan on spending our long flight in first row, sleeping flat and drinking our flight long complementary cocktails... We will be flying into Peru about a week early to meet with the project directors, acclimate to the high elevation and begin our field work. I must admit, I haven't been away for so long before and my heart aches for my puppies. Shane seems excited, but I think most people know the extent to which men act excited about things... I think he will miss me shortly after I leave. I think he will finally appreciate my crazy cleaning habits :) it's almost tempting to plan an extra couple days when I return just to get our house back in to working order. To my ungodly standards that is. I don't know too much yet about field school but I know we will be staying in a large house in banos del inca. Pictures eventually. Based on pictures all I see are natural hot springs, which I always love. Right now my brain is so stressed I don't even know where to start with the whole process. Of course I'm worried about money, but aren't we all? I'm pretty sure it's one of those things that doesn't get much better, just more tolerable. I had a mess registering for the field school as a class but finally got that figured out. Anyone that knows me knows I've been dealing with chronic headaches, but those have been doing better. I worry about having them in Peru. Well, as I lay here with my Dalmatian baby I feel the need to drift off to sleep and dream on.
Well, I've tried writing a blog before but didn't have much luck. Perhaps it was because I didn't have anything worth while to write about. I suppose I should write a bit about myself.
My name is Laura, and I live in Laramie, Wyoming. I moved here in 2009 and attended the University of Wyoming for undergrad. While I considered switching majors a few times, I stuck with Anthropology just like I had always said. After graduating, I decided to take a job at a local medical clinic in town. I've been there for about two years. Most of my friends are here in fact. It is thanks to my work that I was able to experiment with working in the field of law, and now that I am able to leave for 6 weeks to follow another crazy dream of mine. Peru. More on that later.
Most that know me know I am quiet, but don't have much of a filter. I'll admit I'm pretty scatterbrained, but also extremely organized. I change my mind about what I want to do in my life pretty much every week. I love my dogs, probably a little too much. I like to learn, which I'm sure is why I change my mind so much. About everything. I live with my boyfriend Shane, who I also talk about a lot. I met him while I was completing an archaeology internship in Cortez, Colorado a few years back. He puts up with my constant wandering mind.
I like to consider myself a smart and kind human being. I have my tribulations just like everyone else. I hate to admit that I like to be a homebody. Wait, no I don't. I really don't care. I am content having a house to my dogs and I and spending the day over cleaning and watching Netflix. Shane is the outdoorsman, and has introduced me to the world of hunting and fishing, among other things. More on that later as well.
I want to start documenting important things in my life, so I'm making it a goal to be a good blogger. While it is always an ego booster to know that other people are reading, I know this is for myself. But for those of you who do find your way into my domain, I say hello. : )
My name is Laura, and I live in Laramie, Wyoming. I moved here in 2009 and attended the University of Wyoming for undergrad. While I considered switching majors a few times, I stuck with Anthropology just like I had always said. After graduating, I decided to take a job at a local medical clinic in town. I've been there for about two years. Most of my friends are here in fact. It is thanks to my work that I was able to experiment with working in the field of law, and now that I am able to leave for 6 weeks to follow another crazy dream of mine. Peru. More on that later.
Most that know me know I am quiet, but don't have much of a filter. I'll admit I'm pretty scatterbrained, but also extremely organized. I change my mind about what I want to do in my life pretty much every week. I love my dogs, probably a little too much. I like to learn, which I'm sure is why I change my mind so much. About everything. I live with my boyfriend Shane, who I also talk about a lot. I met him while I was completing an archaeology internship in Cortez, Colorado a few years back. He puts up with my constant wandering mind.
I like to consider myself a smart and kind human being. I have my tribulations just like everyone else. I hate to admit that I like to be a homebody. Wait, no I don't. I really don't care. I am content having a house to my dogs and I and spending the day over cleaning and watching Netflix. Shane is the outdoorsman, and has introduced me to the world of hunting and fishing, among other things. More on that later as well.
I want to start documenting important things in my life, so I'm making it a goal to be a good blogger. While it is always an ego booster to know that other people are reading, I know this is for myself. But for those of you who do find your way into my domain, I say hello. : )
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